Just when we thought it was going away, the Lexus IS receives a facelift
Just when we thought that the Lexus IS is on its way out, the Japanese luxury automaker gave us a bit of a surprise, giving the rear-wheel drive sedan another refresh. In production since 2013, this newest facelift is the third to be given to the current third generation Lexus IS
The changes are clearly visible at first glance, especially in front where it receives the latest iteration of Lexus’s signature spindle grille, as seen on models such as the LBX, LM, and ES, but with a larger opening and sharper design, giving the IS a sleeker and more aggressive appearance, and a wider stance.
The F Sport gets the addition of a new set of 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels (new 18-inch wheels for non-F Sport variants), along with a redesigned rear spoiler for better aerodynamics. The Lexus logo has also been replaced with “L-E-X-U-S” spelled-out. It also gains a new Neutrino Gray exterior paint job, on top of nine other options.
The interior also receives a major revamp with a modernized and more upright dashboard design. It introduces a new “Forged Bamboo” material for a distinctive look.
Sadly, gone is the LFA-inspired moving instrument cluster in favor of a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, while the infotainment screen has also been enlarged to 12.3-inches. The F Sport gets a new Prominence interior color scheme which Lexus says is inspired by the “vivid glow of solar flares,” and creates an aggressive and sporty cabin feel.
Unsurprisingly, it looks like the 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 (2UR-GSE) will no longer be offered. Retained are the 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 (2GR-FKS) with an eight-speed automatic transmission (rear-wheel drive) or six-speed automatic transmission (all-wheel drive), and a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain (2AR-FSE) with a CVT.
But that’s not all as Lexus has also made some improvements to the IS’s drivability with a new rack-parallel Electric Power Steering (EPS) system which they say, combined with the adoption of a variable gear ratio, delivers a more linear and responsive steering feel.
Its Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) has also been improved with a built-in linear solenoid actuator to provide enhanced stability and reduced ride harshness.
We’re not done yet…
On the safety front, Lexus has added some refinements to the Lexus Safety System+ ADAS suite with the introduction of Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive which allows for hands-free driving in heavy highway traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, the Pre-Collision System (PCS) can now detect motorcycles at daytime, cyclists at night, and now features intersection collision avoidance. Adaptive (radar) cruise control can now be controlled via voice command, and Lane Change Assist aids with lane changes when the lane keeping function is in use.
Sales for the new Lexus IS will start in early 2026, and will be made available in multiple markets around the globe. As for the Philippines, we don’t know, but given the nameplate’s fairly strong following locally, we’ll probably see this launched here as well.
Photos from Lexus.
